Tired of sitting on the 405 freeway? If you live in Los Angeles you know what I am talking about. Take a break from that stressful traffic and try this:

Just a short drive off the 405 and 101 freeways, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve contains a mile loop great for walking or jogging and along the way you will be able to see many birds. Other trails are located in the same area and even a Japanese Garden.

Don’t expect much of an elevation gain though as the basin is very flat. In the winter, this area will flood and can be closed to vehicle traffic. Parking for the short day hike can be found on Woodley Ave at the intersection of Woodley and Burbank Blvd. Be aware that the dirt parking can be very muddy at times.

I enjoyed visiting the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Refugee but my only complaint is the amount of trash. I felt sorry for the ducks, cranes, and other birds I saw, they all had to live among some careless humans that decided to litter. Maybe organizing a group trash picker upper group would be the move.

Other than that I really can’t say anything bad about this place. It is easy to get to it, plenty of parking and even if you spent 1-3 hours here you could get back in the fast lane of life. If that is what you are into. Actually spending time in this urban marshland was very peaceful.